Healthy Whole Foods Are Tasty

One of the funniest things about my job is having to assure people that, in their transition to eating and living a healthier lifestyle, they don’t have to be eating food that tastes like cardboard. Or smells like a farm.

Let’s be real for a moment.

Some people think of eating healthier like a punishment. And it is no wonder when they try to erase years of bad habits by suddenly swapping junk food for steamed veggies and plain chicken. Only. For every meal. Then they are frustrated because they are left feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled, driving them back to the desserts, salty chips and soda they are trying to avoid. And then the cycle repeats.

For all those recognizing themselves in that previous paragraph — here is a public service announcement. Healthy food is not a mystery. It’s just real. Otherwise known as whole. It doesn’t come from a drive-through or a factory. If you start with fresh food, there is always a way to make it taste delicious.

Don’t believe me? Take this recipe for a test run with your family. It’s gluten- and dairy-free, yet creamy, delicious and filled with whole foods.

Healthy Smoked Salmon Alfredo with Roasted Broccoli and Peas

Makes 4-6 servings

Cashew alfredo sauce:

1 cup cashews

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon gluten-free flour

½ lemon, juiced

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the pasta:

4 cups brown rice pasta

1-2 packages smoked sockeye salmon (we used Pacific Seafood’s brand)

2 heads broccoli, florets only

1 cup frozen peas

Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions:
Add cashews to a bowl of water and soak while you prepare the rest of the sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt butter, broth and lemon juice over medium heat. Whisk in flour, pepper and sea salt. Remove sauce from heat. Drain water from the cashews and add to a blender with the warm sauce. Blend on high for 1 minute, adding a bit of water if necessary. Set aside.

Cook pasta and veggies: Add a large and a medium pot of water to boil on the stove top. In the large pot, add noodles and cook al dente, according to the package. In the medium pot, add broccoli and peas and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green. Drain water from both pots when ready, leaving a tiny bit
of water in the pasta pot.

Combine and serve: Add vegetables to the pasta pot and drizzle alfredo sauce over the top. Gently mix to combine. Tear or chop smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Serve. Basil and parsley garnish is optional.

Sarah Adler’s new book, The Simply Real Health Cookbook: Easy Recipes for A Healthy Life Made Simple, was released in March.